Buying a new home is undoubtedly a stress inducing time. Yes, there will be excitement involved, but the inevitable truth is that there are so many factors to consider when house hunting. One of those factors is the state of the plumbing and any water damage or drainage issues in your new potential home. It is crucial to make sure you know exactly what to inspect in every home you go to inspect.
It may seem like your dream home at first glance, but it could potentially turn into the home from hell if you do not know what plumbing issues to look out for when buying a home. Here are our essential recommendations.
Bathrooms
When it comes to what plumbing issues to look out for when buying a home, a major focus needs to be on the bathrooms. Direct a lot of attention to these rooms, taking extra time to review the tiles around the bath, shower and sinks. If the tiles are poorly set, do not have proper seals or there is substantial water damage – this is a costly fix.
Check inside the cabinetry under the sink for water damage, flush the toilet to see if it drains quickly and fills properly and check whether the taps are flowing freely and draining just as easily. If accessible, also go under the house to see any water damaged flooring or mould buildup that may not be visible when standing in the bathroom.
Kitchen
Like the bathroom, how does the cabinetry look in terms of water damage in the kitchen? Are there any water stains or visible leaks underneath the sink? Check the kitchen taps to see how they flow and drain.
Check for any odours coming from the sink and this will give you a good indication of what plumbing issues you may be dealing with. Odours are a good indication of whether the pipework in the house is old and/or blocked.
Interior water damage
Interior water damage is one of the most crucial plumbing issues to look out for when buying a home. Make sure you have a good and proper look around the interior of the home for any signs of water damage. The most prominent one is if there are any water stains on the walls and ceilings. If the home has any signs at all it could mean chronic leak issues that could make your new home a nightmare.
Other plumbing issues to look out for when buying a home
Seek out the hot water unit and take into account its location, its age and its warranty status. Hot water units are not cheap – to replace and to fix – so it is worth knowing the state of the one you could potentially be living with.
Take a good look at the gutters and downpipes. See whether there is any rust or if they are broken, it will give you a good idea of whether they will need replacing soon. If they are not functioning properly, they have the potential to cause serious water damage to your home.
Take into account the properties sewer and stormwater pipes and drains as well. Any future work that might need to be done will result in a hefty bill and a potential massive temporary hole on your future property.
You should also consider obtaining a sewer plan from the local council and any previous plumbing work plans that have been done on the home. For more information on any plumbing issues to look out for when buying a home, contact the experts at Newman & Parker Plumbing on (08) 9177 8154 or visit us at Unit P 9/5/7 Hepher Rd, Campbelltown NSW 2560, Australia.